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A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN 



A DAUGHTER OF 
JAPAN 



By 
F. D. BONE 



Copyright, 1914, by Samuel French, Ltd, 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

a8-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH Ltd 

26 Southampton Strbbt 

STRAND 



T^ 1 " / 



FEB 4 1914 

©CLD 35912 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN 

CHARACTERS 

Lieut. -Commander Belson, R.N. 
Lieutenant John Maitland, R.N. 
Private Simpson, R.M.L.I. 
Ometsu San. 

Scene. — A room in a Japanese house. It is tastefully 
furnished in a half -English, half -native style. A round table 
for meals. A sideboard with a tantalus. A piano, and one 
or two long bamboo chairs. A well-filled book-case. A verandah 
can be seen through the doorway. 

Ometsu is dressed in native costume. Belson in flannels 
with broad felt hat. Maitland in riding breeches and blazer- 
Simpson in white drill, with white canvas shoes. 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN 

Simpson is laying the table for breakfast. He is looking 
very solemn. A bell rings. He starts and looks 
nervously over his shoulder at the door. Lieut.- 
Commander Belson appears in the doorway. 
Simpson takes a few steps towards him, salutes, and 
then stands at " attention." 

Belson {in a hard, quarterdeck voice). Is that you, 
Simpson ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Belson {coming into the room). Where is Mr. 
Maitland ? 

Simpson. Gone riding, sir. 

Belson. When do you expect him back ? 

Simpson. To breakfast, sir. About half an hour. 

Belson {looking Simpson up and down). You're 
a bright beauty, aren't you ? 

Simpson {moving his feet awkwardly). You don't 
know what I've been through, sir. I did all a man 

Belson {sharply). Oh, yes, I know. . . . When 
you sent that letter to the Captain saying where wc 
could find Mr. Maitland — and you, why didn't you 
explain why he was hiding away ? 

Simpson. Well, sir, his business is no business 
of n 'ne. I done all I could to get him back to the 

7 



8 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

ship, sir, but he wouldn't listen to me, sir. He said 
he'd stop and marry her if the Navy went to the 
bottom for it. 

Belson. Marry her ! Marry whom ? 

Simpson. The little Japanese lady, sir. 

Belson (startled, shouting). The what ? 

Simpson (very uncomfortably). The little Japanese 
lady, sir. Miss Ometsu. 

Belson (more startled). And who the devil's she ? 

Simpson. She's the daughter of a Japanese naval 
officer, sir. He was killed in the war. Her brother's 
in the service too, sir. She talks just like you and 
me, sir. She lives here with her mother, sir. 

Belson (draws hack and again looks Simpson up 
and down). The deuce she does ! Then Mr. Mait- 
land is a guest here ! 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Belson. How long has this been going on ? 

Simpson. Oh, for a long time, sir ; nearly a year. 

Belson. And do you tell me that Mr. Maitland 
is going to marry this Japanese lady ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. That's why I wrote, sir. 
I didn't want him to leave the Navy, sir. 

Belson (grunts). And what about yourself? 

Simpson. I don't want to leave it neither, sir. 
I've got fifteen years' service and I should like to 
earn a pension. 

Belson. I should think you're more likely to 
earn six months for desertion. Do you know that 
you are absent from the ship now ? 

Simpson (in agony). Not until to-night, sir, is it ? 
I thought there'd be time 

Belson. I don't want to know what you thought- 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 9 

Why didn't you write before — when you knew what 
he meant to do ? 

Simpson. I 'oped against 'ope, sir. 

Belson. You hoped ! And what were you 
stopping for ? Were you to marry a Japanese, too ? 

Simpson {putting out his hands). No, sir, no. I 
don't hold with it, sir. But she's a sweet Httle thing, 
sir, and I know she's very fond of him. It makes 
me real bad to think what '11 happen when they see 
you, sir. I think he'll half-kill me. [Turning away.) 
I wish we'd never come to Japan ! 

Belson (looking round the room). And where are 
the ladies ? 

Simpson. They'll be down to breakfast in a 
minute, sir ! 

Belson {immediately uneasy). Well, I'll go and 
meet Mr. Maitland, and you'd better get ready to 
come back at once. We've no time to lose if we're 
to catch the ship. (Turns to go out.) 

Simpson. When does she sail, sir ? 

Belson. To-morrow morning. 

Simpson (gasping). For home, sir ? 

Belson (going out). Yes. 

(Simpson shows signs of perturbation, and wipes his 
face with his handkerchief. He looks in a half- 
dazed way round the room, and then goes to the table 
to complete preparations for breakfast. Through 
the curtained doorway on right, Ometsu appears, 
dressed in a charming Japanese castume, with 
satin slippers to match her robe.) 

Ometsu. Good-morning, Simpson. 
Simpson. God- morning, miss. 



10 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

Ometsu {going to table). Mother is not coming 
down to breakfast, Simpson. So there'll only be 
Mr. Maitland and me. [Skips.) Isn't it lovely. 
Has he gone riding ? 

Simpson (still fooling about the table). Yes, miss, 

Ometsu. And he will be back quite soon, won't 
he, Simpson ? It always seems so long when he's 
away. [She runs to the door and looks out.) It's 
heavenly, and to-da}^ ! I am so happy to-day. 
(Goes to table and looks up at Simpson.) Do you know 
what to-day is, Simpson ? ' It's my birthday ! I'm 
seventeen — quite a woman now, and next week at this 
time I shall be Mrs. Maitland, and you'll be calling 
me mam ! (She gives a happy little laugh.) Aren't 
you going to wish me many happy returns, Simpson ? 

Simpson (turns to her sadly, tries to speak, shakes 
his head and turns away). 

Ometsu (in a tone of anxiety). Why, what's the 
matter ? Are you not well ? 

Simpson (pulls himself together). Yes, miss. . . • 
No, I don't think I am, miss. I don't know. Some- 
thing's come over me which makes me feel quite 
bad. I don't think this climate quite suits me, miss. 

Ometsu. Not suit you ? Why, you've always 
been quite well until now. It can't be the climate. 
(Anxiously.) Would you like a little brandy ? 

Simpson (eagerly). Yes, yes, please, miss. (He 
sinks into a chair while she runs to the sideboard and 
pours him out a peg.) 

Ometsu (brings the brandy). There ! I am so 
sorry, I wonder what's brought this on ? 

Simpson (gulps down the brandy). Thank ye, 
miss. I shall be better now. (He gets up and takes 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 11 

the glass to the sideboard and then turns.) Do you 
know, miss Your father was a sailor, wasn't 

he? 

Ometsu (wonderingly). Yes. 

Simpson. In your Navy? 

Ometsu. Yes. 

Simpson. And he was an officer, wasn't he ? 

Ometsu. Yes, a commander — but why ? 

Simpson. And he was killed in the war, wasn't 

he? 

Ometsu (nods her head). 

Simpson. Well, wouldn't you hke Mr. Maitland 
to go and do that ? 

Ometsu (eyes wide with terror). Mr. Maitland . . ; 
killed. . . . Has something happened? . . . Oh, 
what is it ? 

Simpson (alarmed at her being alarmed). No, no, 
I don't mean that, miss ; I don't mean that. 1 
mean- — (Blows his cheeks out.) I don't know what 
I mean ? 

Ometsu (coming to him). Simpson, what do you 

mean ? 

Simpson (with supreme effort). Well, miss, I mea^ 
Once a Sailor always a Sailor! (He draws back 
as if he had explained everything.) 

Ometsu. Oh, is that all ? 

Simpson. All ? Why, miss, it's everything. Mr. 
Maitland can never help being a sailor now. 

Ometsu (laughs with relief). You funny man, 
Simpson. You make such a lot out of nothing. Of 
course Mr. Maitland's a sailor. Isn't he going to 
take me— and you— for a long cruise among the 
South Sea Islands ? We shall be perfectly happy 



12 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

down there, Simpson. You will get rid of all your 
troubles then. 

Simpson (groans, looks at her and shakes his head). 
t don't think he ought to leave the Navy, miss. Think 
what 

Ometsu (walks away towards piano). Simpson I 
Mr. Maitland has told you that you are not to speak 
to me about this. He has quite made up his mind, 
and you have promised to leave the service too and 
come with us. Surely Mr. Maitland has offered you 
sufficient 

Simpson. Yes, miss, yes, but it isn't that. It 
isn't my pension I'm thinking about . . . but I'd 
like to finish my time with him. 

Ometsu. Oh, Simpson, don't be silly. . . .You will 
finish it with him. He's going to do ever so much 
more for 3^ou than your Navy can. And didn't he 
say you should come to our wedding and be his 
'best man and sign the register ? And when we go 
away you will be in charge of everything. Why, you 
will be quite a big man ; and Jack — Mr. Maitland, 
says we may go pearl-fishing, and you will make 
your fortune then. . . . (Simpson still looks dully at 
her.) Oh, you are grumpy this morning. I don't 
like you a bit. I wish I hadn't given you the brandy 
now. (Shakes an accusing finger at him.) I think 
you've been drinking. (She goes to the piano and 
plays a snatch of Mandalay. Almost immediately 
Maitland's voice joins in the song. As he reaches 
the doorway she gives a little scream of delight, jumps 
off the stool and runs to meet him. He catches her in 
liis arms. Simpson quickly leaves by the door on left.) 

Jack. Sweetheart ! 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 13 

Ometsu (holding her face to his) . Dear — dear ! 

Jack (leading her down and then stopping to kiss 
her forehead). Many happy returns, sweetheart. 
Quite a grown-up, now, aren't you ? 

Ometsu (standing on tiptoe). Yes, quite a woman 
— look ! (He catches her to him.) 

Jack (leading her to chair at table and sits himself). 
And what do you think I've got for you ? One of 
them is wonderful — I shall give only that one in 
my whole lifetime. 

Ometsu (looking eagerly at him). Sweetheart ! 
Tell me ! (He takes two packets from his pocket, one 
of them is an envelope. He unfolds the small packet 
and holds up a bracelet. She gives a little gurgle of 
delight and holds out her left wrist. He clasps it, 
and then touches a spring. A lid flies open like a watch. 
She gives a little scream.) Oh, oh, it's your portrait. 
Isn't it lovely ! (She looks at it, and then says, curiously, 
as she closes it down.) You darling ! And what's 
the other ? I am a lucky girl ! (He takes a document 
from an envelope, unfolds it and offers it to her.) 

Jack. Our marriage license ! (Laughs joyously 
as she stares at it.) So we can be married next Thurs- 
day, if mother says yes. By the way, where is she ?, 

Ometsu. She said she wouldn't come down this 
morning. She said she knew I'd like to have break- 
fast alone with you to-day. Isn't she a dear! , 

Jack. She's a clinker. Well, we'll ask her when 
she comes down. But what about some breakfast ? 
I'm famished ! (Shouts.) Simpson ! (Bangs a hell 
on the table.) Simpson ! (Turns to Ometsu.) You 
can't make love properly when you're starving, you 
know pettling. Wait till I've had some breakfast, 



14 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN 

and then I'll tell you ! {Bangs the hell again 

and shouts.) Simpson ! Confound the man, what's 
up with him this morning ? 

Ometsu. Well, he is funny, dear ! He's been 
on again about your leaving the Navy. 

Jack (jumps up and bangs the table). I won't have 
it. I won't have it ! I'll kick him out. He can 
go back alone. How dare he talk to you about it 
when I told him not to. (Turns to door on left.) 
I'll let him know if he's going to defy, orders. (At 
the door he meets Simpson with breakfast on tray.) 
Here, you blackguard, what do you mean by it ? 
Didn't I tell you that I wouldn't have you talking to 
mam'zelle about my leaving the Navy ? 

Simpson (going towards table and looking straight to 
his front). Yes, sir. (Goes on vuith his work.) 

Jack (following behind and shouting). Haven't I 
sent in my papers ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. Haven't I sent in the money for your dis- 
charge ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. Didn't I say that the Navy could go to the 
devil ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. And didn't I say that I'd break your 
neck if I heard any more about it ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. And aren't you satisfied with my terms ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir, of course 

Jack. Then, what do you mean by it ? Look 
here, Simpson, if you're not very careful I'll not let 
you speak to mam'zelle at all. (He says this as if 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 15 

he had ordered Simpson out to instant execution.) Fm 
trying to make everything as nice and comfortable 
as I can for you. I've said a lot of nice things to 
mam'zelle about you, and tried to make her like you 
too, and this is how you serve me. (Putting down his 
fist impressively on the table.) I won't have another 
word said about the Navy. We've done with it. 
Mam'zelle and I are to be married on Thursday. 
[He puts out one hand towards her and she takes it.) 
We shall sail for Singapore a day or two after. At 
Singapore I shall charter a small vessel, and we shall 
go for a long cruise — and I don't know when we 
are coming back. Now, Simpson, did you grasp all 
that ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. You're quite sure you understand about 
the Navy ? 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

Jack. No more whining about it ? 

Simpson. No, sir. 

Jack. No more lamentations about your fifteen 
years' service ? 

Simpson. No, sir. 

Jack (sitting). Then serve the breakfast ! (During 
the conversation at the table, Simpson makes two or 
three attemps to break in and explain the real cause 
of his distress — but his courage fails each time. He 
shows by his manner, also, that the discussion of their 
plans causes him acute suffering.) 

Jack (turning to Ometsu). Well, little woman, 
what shall we do to-day ? Something beautiful, 
something delightful, wonderful — because — you can't 
have another seventeenth birthday. Shall we go to 



16 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN 

the lake and have a little picnic all by our two selves ? 
(She smiles and nods delightedly.) And we'll draw 
up plans for the wedding. [Turns to Simpson, who 
is waiting on them.) You know, Simpson, I'd half 
made up my mind to let you come and be a witness 
at the wedding, but I feel very angry with you just 
now. I don't think you ought to be near her at 
present. I think you'd better keep out of the way 
until after the wedding. [Turns to Om¥,ts\] .) Would 
you like me to keep him out of sight, darling ? 

Ometsu. Oh, no, dear. I'm sure he didn't mean 
to make me unhappy. 

Jack. Yes, I know, sweetheart, but he mustn't 
make these mistakes. Well, I'll think about it. 
Make up a nice tifhn for us Simpson. Everything 
of the best. Put in a small bottle of champagne for 
me. [Pause.) D'ye hear, Simpson ? 

Simpson [who is standing behind, chokingly). Yes, 
sir. 

Jack. Shall I drive Darling in the trap ? We 

can take Simpson with us, and he can bring it back 

and then fetch us about four or five, eh, sweetheart ? 

Ometsu [smiles and nods). Lovely ! 

Jack [still going on with his breakfast). Did you 

hear that, Simpson ? Go out and tell the boy to 

have the trap ready by [Looks at his watch, 

and then turns to Ometsu.) Shall we say eleven 
o'clock, sweetheart ? It's ten now. 

Ometsu. Yes, dear, that will do beautifully. 

Jack. Eleven o'clock, Simpson. Tell him to be 

here at eleven ; and I shall want you to come with 

us and bring the trap back. [Pause ; Simpson shows 

signs of distress.) Simpson, did you hear what I said ? 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 17 

{Turns round and sees Simpson's face.) What's the 
matter, man ? Aren't you well ? 

Simpson (licks his lips). Well, sir — [swallows) 
the fact is, sir, I don't feel up to much this morning, 
sir. {Wipes his face.) 

Ometsu. Jack, dear, I don't think he can be well. 
He was like that when I came down, and I had to 
give him some brandy 

Jack {wheeling round in his chair). Brandy ! 
Simpson, what do you want brandy for ? 

Simpson. It's just a touch of faintness, sir, I 
think — I think 

Jack. You think ? Are you sure you've not 
been drinking ? 

Simpson. No, sir, no, really. . . . I'm all right, 
now, sir. 

Jack. Well, you don't look it. But the drive 
will put you right. You run out and tell the boy to 
bring the trap here by eleven. 

Simpson. Yes, sir. (Simpson goes out half-dazed, 
and Jack sits down again.) 

Jack {in a tone of sympathy to Ometsu). I know 
what it is, darhng. He's fretting about me and the 
ship. Of course I know he thinks I'm a wonderful 
sailor and that I'm cut out for an admiral, and that 
nobody's worth knowing who isn't in the Navy ; 
but he'll soon get over that once we're at Singapore 
and get to work on our little schooner. By Jove, 
pettling, we shall have to show what we can do as 
'■ sailors then ! 

Ometsu. But I shall be with you, and we shall 
be so happy, and I am so proud of you, Jack — my 
Jack ! 



18 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

{She slides off her chair and turns towards him ; he 
pushes his chair hack and holds out his arms and 
takes her on his knees.) 

Jack. And I am proud of you. . . .Why — j^ou've 
got a new dress ? 

Ometsu [nods her head, and looks at him quizzically). 
And you hadn't noticed it before ? Mother gave it 
to me for my birthday. Do you Uke it ? [She slips 
off his knee and struts in front of him.) 

Jack. It's a vision, darling, a vision of dehght. 
But I want to hold you ; come here. 

Ometsu (she trips back to him, and leaning her face 
against his shoulder, says dreamily). I am so happy ! 

Jack. vSo am I. So happ}^ that it seems like a 
beautiful dream. I sometimes have to stop and 
shake myself to make sure that I'm not lying in that 
stuffy old bunk of mine on the Leviathon. But 
it's no dream. It's a wonderful, beautiful reality 

Ometsu. Yes, it is wonderful. I am a lucky girl. 

Jack. And I'm a lucky boy, and we'll say that 
every day for years and years and 

Ometsu. We'll never get tired ? 

Jack. Never, never ! [With empjiasis.) Never ! 

(Belson appears in the doorway. After a pause y 
Ometsu lifting up her face to kiss Jack's cheek, 
sees him over Jack's shoulder. She gives a little 
scream and breaks away. Jack turns in his seat 
and looks in tite direction of Belson. For a moment 
he stares at him, and then rises slowly, gripping 
the rail of his chair. Ometsu sidles up and lays 
a hand on liis arm, and looks up at his face with 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 19 

apprehension. The two men face each other for 
several seconds without speaking.) 

Belson {in a hard voice). Mr. Maitland ! {Jack 
makes no reply, and Belson comes half way towards 
them.) 

Jack {hoarsely). What do you want— sir ? 

Belson (sternly). I want you. (Ometsu clutches 
at Jack's arm.) 

Jack. I'm not going back ! I've sent in my 
resignation. I'm going to stay here—with my wife. 

Belson. Then you're already married ? 

Jack. No, but we shall be— on Thursday. 

Belson. Maitland, the Captain's orders are that 
you come back with me to the ship. 

Jack. I'm sorry, sir, but I can't do it. I've 
made up my mind to leave the Navy. {Suddenly.) 
But how did you know I was here ? How could 
you know ? {Sees Simpson standing just inside the 
door with a hang-dog look.) {Pointing at him.) By 
heaven, a traitor ! {Shakes off Ometsu and strides 
towards Simpson, hut Belson gets between them.) 

Belson. Maitland, don't forget that you are still 
a naval officer ! 

Jack. Traitor ! This is what you call loyalty to 
a master who gave you his confidence, was ready to 
make a friend of you, and would make you indepen- 
dent of everything and everybody ! In return you 
play the low-down sneak. You betray me and try 
to wreck my happiness and my life. But you've 

failed! Get out, you filthy viper 

^ Simpson {holding out his hands imploringly). I 
did it for your sake, sir. I thought 



20 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

Jack (furiously). Get out, or by — 



Belson [stepping forward and holding up a hand 
to stop ftim). The man did quite right 

Jack. He didn't. He promised to stand by me, 
and he's sold me. But I won't come back. You 
can't make me. I refuse. I'm my own master. 
I've sent in my resignation and they can take it or 
be damned to them ! (Turns towards Ometsu who 
nestles up to him. He turns to Belson.) Mr. Belson, 
is there any need to prolong 

Belson. Will you introduce me ? 

Jack (hesitates, and then presents Ometsu). Mada- 
moiselle Ometsu San — Lieut. -Commander Belson. 
(They how stiffly.) 

Belson (gravely). Mam'zelle, would you permit 
me to have a few minutes with Mr. Maitland 
alone ? 

Jack (quickly). No — no — I refuse. Don't go, 
sweetheart ! I'm very sorry, sir, but I can't go. 
I have finished with the Navy 

Belson (to Ometsu). Mam'zelle, do you know 
that Mr. Maitland has been ten years in the British 
Navy ? (She bows.) Do you know that if he resigns 
his commission he will never be able to get back ? 
(She remains silent.) Do you know — pardon me — 
but do you know that if you marry him he will not 
be able to go back to England ? 

Jack. Oh, yes, I can ! But I shan't want to. We 
are going away to live our own lives 

Belson. You mean 

Jack. Yes, I mean 

Belson. — that you're going to be a voluntary 
outcast — a vagabond 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 21 

Jack. Well, it doesn't matter to you what I do so 
long as I 

Belson. Yes, it does. You belong to an honour- 
able profession and you are trying to leave it dis- 
honourably. 

Jack (hotly). No, I'm not. I've sent in my 
papers 



Belson. Which will not be accepted. Mam'zelle, 
do you think that your father would have treated 
the Japanese Navy as Mr. Maitland proposes to treat 
the British ? 

Jack. That's nothing to do with it. There's no 
war on. You only want to take me home to England. 
I don't want to go — I wont go. 

Belson. Mam'zelle, do you think that your 
brother would act like this ? Would you respect 
him if he did ? And believe me — I say it with all 
deference — " East is East and West is West." 

Jack (hoarsely). No, it is not so ! And if it is, 
Ometsu and I will run the risk. (He looks down at 
her, but she stands like a statue.) 

Belson. You wouldn't like your brother to marry 
Maitland's sister in England, and then sail away 
out of your lives. His mother is a widow. Who is 
going to look after her and her affairs when she grows 
old ? (Pause.) Apart from that, do you think 
that he will be happy knowing that he has deserted 
the Navy ? 

Jack. Grrrrrrrrh ! There are plenty more with- 
out me ! 

Belson. No country can afford to lose good men. 
And you will be lost, Maitland — lost — if you carry 
out this mad project 



22 A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 

Jack. Very well, let me be mad ! 

Ometsu [to Belson in a strained voice). Do you 
really believe that if I married Jack I should spoil 
his life ? 

Jack [in agony). Ometsu ! Don't think of such 
a thing ! 

Ometsu (looks at Belson, and he hows in the affirma- 
tive. She continues, in the same strained voice). I 
remember now that during the war the women were 
called on to sacrifice themselves. Jack, if you 
don't go back your country will lose one man — one 
good man. Who knows, dear, that one day, years 
to come, you may be the one man who might save 
your country ! Ought we to run that risk ? 

Jack. But, darling, that is too preposterous — — 

Ometsu. No, dear, it isn't. No one can tell who 
will be the saviour of his country. Jack, darling, 
we must think of that. We must — I must — think 
of what ought to be done for love of country. . . . 
You will have to go — Jack. 

Jack. Ometsu ! You are not — you are not 
afraid ? 

Belson. Afraid ! Maitland, she is a daughter 
of Japan ! You arc a son of England ! She sees — 
she knows 

Jack. She doesn't ! Ometsu ! 

Ometsu. Yes, I do. Jack ; dear Jack ! You ' 
must go back — it was a mistake. [She tries to draw 
away from him, hut he holds her hy her wrists.) You 
must go, Jack. And if you come back— I'll wait. 
I — I shan't forget — dear heart ! 

Jack. But — Ometsu ! 

Ometsu. Jack, dear, we had forgotten — there 



A DAUGHTER OF JAPAN. 23 

are greater claims than that of love. Your country 
wants you. It has a greater claim on you than 
I. . . . Don't make it too hard for me. . . . You 
know that you ought to go. 

Belson [almost sharply). Maitland, show her that 
you are a man ! 

Jack [holds out his arms, she comes to him). You 
believe it the right thing to do, Ometsu ? 

Ometsu. Yes, dear — and I will wait — and wait. 

Jack. And I will come back — you shall be my 
wife ! [He bends down and kisses her. Belson 
comes forward and takes his arm, and gently draws him 
away. Belson turns quickly to Ometsu, takes her 
hand and kisses it almost reverently. Then he leads 
Jack almost dazed from the room.) 

(Ometsu stands and watches them go through the door. 
Simpson stands rigidly to attention as they pass.) 

Belson [to Simpson as they pass). Pack up and 
follow ! 

Simpson. Yes, sir. 

[As Belson and Jack disappear, Ometsu staggers 
to a chair by the table and with a little sob drops her 
head on her arms.) 

Simpson [goes to her and bends over her ; speaks 
brokenly). He said he'd come back — I'll bring him 
back ! [He waits for a moment but she takes no notice. 
He then picks up the corner of the sleeve of her kimono, 
presses it to his lips, and then goes out slowly. As 
he reaches the door the curtain falls.) 



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